RUTLAND, Mass. - Forever remembered. The town of Rutland and its police department honor the life of one of their own.

Selectman Jeff Stillings said, "Rutland Police Detective John Songy paid the ultimate sacrifice as a victim of the COVID-19 pandemic that has affected our world."

Detective Songy died last May after a weeks-long battle with COVID-19. He was 48-years old. 

Songy's wife, Joanne, wanted to ensure his memory lives on. So she spearheaded the effort behind a memorial bench.

Joanne Songy said, "That's why I had the bench done. And what better place than right here in the town of Rutland where he served and protected. I want to keep his legacy alive. I want him to never be forgotten."

Detective Songy was also posthumously awarded the town's highest honor, the Moses How Award for Public Service.

"It's awarded annually by the town of Rutland to recognize individuals or an individual for exceptional public service to the Rutland community," Stillings said at the ceremony on Wednesday.

The bench is right outside of the police department, and will now serve as a reminder for all who pass by.

Joanne Songy said, "John was a great man, a great police officer, and he is very deserving of this."​